Is the Elementary Education Program Right for You?

Do you like to work collaboratively with others? Are you someone who loves children
and are committed to their success? Do you feel inspired to guide and mentor young
minds? If so, a career in elementary education may be the right career path for you!

Teachers are motivated to learn, lead and inspire future generations in addition to
transforming the educational field. They feel committed to cultivating the success
of younger generations and value life-long learning, collaboration and reflection
as important components of both professional and personal growth.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Elementary Education program at USFSM is designed
to prepare outstanding elementary teachers. The Elementary Education program is a
nationally and regionally accredited with a curriculum that is current, research-based
and standards-based.

Students enter this program after completing baccalaureate degrees in fields other
than education. It prepares teacher candidates to meet the needs of diverse student
learners through arts integration instructional strategies and English as a Second
Language (ESOL) Endorsement. With small class sizes, this program provides teacher
candidates with superior education from faculty. Through coursework and supervised
field experiences, MAT graduates will enter the teaching profession committed to excellence
in teaching and instructional leadership.

USFSM and the Sarasota and Manatee school districts have entered into a partnership
to ensure that students have a uniquely focused experience within public schools.
These school sites have been selected for onsite instruction, excellent mentoring
and are designed to help USFSM students become highly effective teachers.

Future Careers

Elementary teachers with graduate degrees are highly demanded by both public and private
schools. But in addition to becoming elementary teachers, graduates with a Master’s
in Elementary Education can also pursue careers as counselors or hold administration
positions within the school system. If you have an interest in mentoring children,
USFSM’s MAT degree will properly prepare you for any career path within the elementary
education field.